Regional Bureaus

WIPO’s Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Sector, working through its regional bureaus and Least Developed Countries (LDC) division, is responsible for programs of technical assistance to developing countries, as well as other aspects of WIPO’s wider activities to promote IP as an aid to social and cultural development, economic growth and wealth creation.

The strategic approach and detailed objectives, as agreed by Member States, are set out in current Program and Budget document under Strategic Goal Two, namely "to integrate IP into national development policies and programs."

A tailored approach takes account of the diverse needs and capacities of developing countries and LDCs, and ensures that action is consistent with national objectives and development interests. Technical assistance programs, initiated in response to specific requests from individual countries, are managed by staff in the regional bureaus with local expertise.

These programs have focused on building up the legal and administrative infrastructure required to protect IP rights. Key areas include assistance with training, modernizing IP institutions and systems, awareness-raising, and expert advice on IP legislation. Increasing numbers of developing countries are now also requesting WIPO’s assistance in the next stage of optimizing the economic and cultural value from IP assets and technology transfer.